There’s still no sign of the long-awaited, much-hyped Ј300 region 2 universal DVD-Audio and SACD player from Chinese manufacturer Zenix.
The Z-1016L was supposed to ship in early November, but as yet, potential owners have yet to see the machine on retailers’ shelves.
Although the Zenix Z-1016L is a fully blown DVD-Audio and DVD-Video player, SACD compatibility will be limited to two channels. Other supported formats include CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 (on CD-R). A model boasting multi-channel SACD playback should be available next year.
The situation is reminiscent of that involving the Apex AD-7701, an inexpensive region 1 multi-channel DVD-Audio and SACD player, which was also delayed more than once, but is now available from a handful of on-line retailers ($360 – $450) who are accepting orders.